Blue Jackets summer 2026 top prospects #8, Luca Marrelli has a lot of skill, but needs more time

Luca Marrelli got his first experience of professional hockey this year, although it came after missing the majority of the season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. This prevented us from getting a full look at all he could do with the Monsters, and his fall from #6 last year to #8 this year isn't due to his performance, but rather to standout seasons from others.

The top prospects list was compiled by a collective ranking from all of the writers at Union and Blue: Matthew Duffey, Mike Stump, Weston Motz, Struan McNevan, and Curtis Deem. We only include players 24 years and under, with fewer than 25 NHL games. Stats are from the previous season, in the league where each player spent the most time. Projections are based on top-end upside.

Top Prospect #8: D Luca Marrelli

How we ranked him: Struan (7), Curtis, Mike (8); Matthew, Weston (10). Last year, Marrelli was ranked #6 on this list.

Luca Marrelli was originally drafted 86th overall in the third round in 2024 from the OHL's Oshawa Generals. He was seen as solid value at that spot, with great skating, solid offense, and underrated defense, all while possessing good size.

Marrelli scored 57 points in 67 games in his draft year, although only six goals in that time seemed to limit his perceived upside in the draft, since his shot didn't provide much offense for himself, and he didn't draw attention as a threat.

This completely changed the next season, as Marrelli had a breakout season, scoring 74 points while more than tripling his goal total with 19. His goals and points were each the fourth most among defenders in the OHL.

He also continued to show excellent growth as the season went on, and scored 36 points in 21 playoff games, leading the Generals to their second straight finals appearance, although they lost both times.

While Marrelli's defense didn't stand out, it definitely wasn't a liability. He has enough straight-line speed to recover when he attacks offensively, so he doesn't leave his team vulnerable or down a man on the counter-attack often.

While he does need a lot of growth with his general defensive awareness and understanding of his positioning, he has really good stick skills that generate turnovers, and can block shots and deflect passes extremely well.

He doesn't play with physicality often, although I saw a lot more of it when he was playing in Cleveland, but could definitely be capable with a 6'2, 185-pound frame.

After missing 42 games, he ended up with 16 points in 32 games with the Monsters, only scoring four goals, although that can likely be partially attributed to his recovering shoulder.

It's honestly a solid start for Marrelli, as scoring at a half-point-per-game pace in his first pro season as a defenseman is no easy task. He even got solid power-play time, and scored a couple goals with the man advantage, including this bomb for his first as a pro.

While he did have his share of struggles defensively, it was still a season of positive development for the 20-year-old after missing a lot of valuable time early on, and he performed well enough to continue to play in the postseason, where he scored three points in nine games.

Pros: Skating, technical skill, high offensive ceiling, playoff experience
Cons: Defensive IQ, physicality, low floor
Projection: Second-line offensive defenseman, power-play conductor

It's a bit hard to project where Marrelli will end up at his peak, as his defense is a major variable at this point. Since he already has the skill, I could definitely see his defensive IQ being able to develop quickly to the point where he is a solid defender with even better offense, which would allow him to be a top-four player.

On the other hand, it's possible that he struggles to adjust to the defensive standard needed at the pro level, in which case he could struggle to earn NHL time, and it would be hard to see him being much more than an offensive plug-in.

Regardless, Marrelli needs at least another full season or two in the AHL before we can get a true idea of how well he can succeed in the NHL. Barring another injury, it will be exciting to see him be able to play a fully healthy, full-length season in the pros.

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